Foundation Course

About the Foundation Course

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These introductory courses last four days (two weekends, 3 or 4 weeks apart) making up 24 training hours. We run occasional weekday foundation courses. See below for dates.

The Foundation Course is a mixture of lectures and practical group sessions. Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 12. In the initial stages of training the emphasis is on safety and all attendees will be observed by an experienced demonstrator to ensure a safe needling technique.

Lecturing teams are made up of experienced medical acupuncturists. The performance of lecturers and group leaders is critically assessed to maintain a high standard. Teaching on the Foundation Course is based on scientific explanations of acupuncture as far as possible, but it also involves some traditional Chinese concepts.

The normal course fee includes tuition, a set of detailed course notes, 100 needles, lunches and daytime refreshments throughout the two weekends. Courses are non-residential but a list of local hotels and guest houses can be supplied on request.

External CPD is applied for from the Royal College of Physicians for all Foundation and Intermediate courses.

Medical Students (4th and 5th year) can attend our Foundation Course. Student places are limited to two per course and there is a generous student discount.

Partcipants who complete the BMAS Foundation Course are entitled to reduced rate membership of the Society for their first two years.

Ladies: There is no evidence that acupuncture is harmful in pregnancy. If you are or suspect you may be pregnant, however, you should bring this to the attention of the teaching staff as it may affect how much needling you receive in the practical sessions.

WHO DO WE ACCEPT ON THESE COURSES?

The Foundation Course programme

Weekend one

Saturday 9am - 5.30pm

Overview & brief history
Safety brief
Lecture & practicals on neck, shoulder & arm
Trigger points
Safety questionnaire

Sunday 9am - 5pm

Lecture & practicals on lower back & leg
Neurophysiology
Clinical aspects
Clinical cases for discussion
Safety & side effects

Weekend two

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Traditional acupuncture
Lecture and practicals on face & abdomen
Segmental Acupuncture
Gynaecology & gastrointestinal disorders
ENT & respiratory
Dermatology

Sunday 9am - 5pm

Electroacupuncture - lecture & practical
Neurology & psychology
Ear acupuncture & addictions
Research & audit
Running a clinic
Quiz
Case presentations